Getting Your Child Vaccinated: Where to Find the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for younger children (age 5–11) on November 2.

Doctors and public health experts strongly recommend the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children age 5 and older. The vaccine is safe, effective, and free. Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. 10% of children who have had COVID-19 will have long-term complications ("long haulers").

Many local sites are now open for appointment registration for younger children, with others ready to accept walk-ins beginning the second week of November. Health care systems and pediatricians’ offices have also received vaccine supplies and are reaching out to patients to schedule appointments.

Note: The ability to register for an appointment at some sites is pending updates of registration systems to accommodate children 5–11. Parents and guardians should understand that the vaccine supply is plentiful and that systems should be updated in the coming days to allow registration.

Children age 5 and older are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children age 5–11 can get vaccinated at:

• Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens locations
• Cambridge Health Alliance, CHA Vaccine Center, 176 Somerville Avenue (next to Target). Register for an appointment here.
• Cambridge Public Health Department clinics on November 10 and December 1 at the King Open School. More information here.
• Mass General Brigham (for patients): Schedule an appointment here.
• Boston Children's Hospital (for patients):  Schedule an appointment through the hospital’s MyChildren’s Patient Portal or call 617-919-7102.
• Atrius Health (for patients): Atrius Health will start scheduling vaccination appointments for children on November 12. Vaccination clinics will begin on Monday, November 15. Beginning November 12, parents can schedule an appointment directly through MyHealth Online or call their child’s doctor’s office.
• Pediatricians’ Offices: Call your child’s doctor or nurse to determine vaccine availability.
• To see all Massachusetts vaccine locations and make appointments, go to vaxfinder.mass.gov.